Media Release 2012 Games

All routes lead to London 2012: Games transport website launched to help spectators plan how they will travel next summer

A one-stop travel shop that enables London 2012 spectators to plan their routes a year ahead of the Games before booking their travel has been launched.

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) is encouraging spectators to start planning their journeys to venues now that event tickets have been allocated, with Games-time travel tickets on sale 12 months in advance of next summer.

The online London 2012 spectator journey planner and travel pages – www.london2012.com/travel – marks the first time such a comprehensive travel tool has been specifically created for an Olympic and Paralympic Games.

It will help Games ticket holders plot their routes to venues from anywhere in Great Britain by rail, coach, bus, river or Tube. It will also detail routes for cycling and walking, and from early next year will allow users to plan their journeys by car to Games park-and-ride and Blue Badge parking sites. Those with accessibility requirements will be able to plan the most suitable routes through the website, such as stations with lifts or ramps.

After selecting their chosen travel modes and routes, spectators are then linked directly to the relevant travel provider to purchase their travel tickets.

The online tool was created in partnership between the ODA, London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG), Department for Transport (DfT) and official Games technology partner ATOS.

Hugh Sumner, ODA Director of Transport, said: “The nations’ transport networks will be extremely busy on routes leading to Games venues next summer and we have worked closely with travel providers to ensure people will be able to get to their events while maintaining background services.

“The next step is for spectators to start planning their journeys and booking their travel now they know what event tickets they have got. The creation of the spectator journey planner will mean people are given all the options before making their choice.”

LOCOG Chair Seb Coe said: “Getting spectators to events on time and back home again is going to make a huge difference to how people remember the Games in years to come. Next summer will be incredibly busy, and as much as possible is being done to make London 2012 a public transport Games. This spectator journey planner will be a really useful tool and help people decide on the best ways of travelling next summer.”

Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “The last thing any spectator wants is a sprint finish to get to the venue in time. This tool will give people the best route and a realistic idea of how long it will take – I’d urge people to use it to ensure their hard won Olympic ticket doesn’t go to waste.”

Paralympian and Transport for London Board member Baroness Tanni Grey–Thompson said: “I fully welcome the addition of a journey planner specifically for the Games, as it will help spectators plan well ahead of their events and takes into account a range of different transport modes available. The fact that the website also gives information about which stations are wheelchair-friendly means that everyone will be able to take advantage of the website.”

The spectator journey planner will be similar to existing online journey planners but with added benefits for Games spectators. It will provide:

Predicted journey times to and from Games venues from anywhere in Great Britain, including an allowance for security checking at venues.

Predicted walking and cycling time to and from recommended stations to Games venues.

Timetable information up to a year before the Games begin to allow Games ticket holders to plan their travel.

Links to travel booking sites (such as 2012 Games coach and rail services) to enable Games ticket holders to purchase travel tickets up to a year in advance of travel.

Recommended routes to make journeys as simple as possible, avoiding overcrowded stations and sections of line.

– Some local transport timetables for travel to the Games, including bus schedules, will be provisional from July 2011. Spectators will still be able to plan and book their travel, but it is advisable that they check and, where necessary, adapt journeys closer to the Games.

– Spectators with a ticket for a Games event in London will receive a one-day Games Travelcard for the day of that event valid within zones 1 to 9. This includes London Underground, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway, buses, trams and National Rail services.

– Spectators with event tickets to venues around London – Eton Dorney (Rowing), Lee Valley White Water Centre (Canoe Slalom) and Hadleigh Farm (Mountain Biking) – will also receive a Travelcard, and will be able to travel on National Rail between London and the recommended stations for those venues at no additional charge.